CRICKET.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXIX, Issue 227, 25 September 1895, Page 2

CRICKET.

UNITED CLUB

Ihe annual general meeting of tho United Cricket Club was held at the Coach and Horses Hotel last evening, Mr W W Chisholm, President, occupying the chair.

The annual report, read by Mr G. Dee, Secretary, stated inter alia that " The season of 1894-95 was not as sueccssful as might he wished, and ihe psrformances upon the cricket Held fell short of those of the preceding year. The senior team fulfilled its many engagements, but was defeated upon every occasion, except when opposed by the Nelson Club. The all -day matches against the country clubs were played uuder adverse conditions, the full team never being available. The match against Jlolgrove was a farce, more than hall the team being absent. Your Committee would strongly urge the discontinuancd j of. all-day matches with countiy clubs, for the Championship. "The 'A' team of juniors had a successful season, and occupied a creditaldo position iv the championship list. S-jven matches were played, live of which were won and two lost. The team was one of the very few that were able to defeat the present champions,

"The 'B team of juniors had an unsuccessful season, and were beaten npon almost every occasion. They, however, pluckily contested their games. " The following were shown as tho trophy winners :— Senior eleven .- Batting (Mr D Andrews' bat), L Graham, average 10-15 ; bowling (Mr Chisholm's lat), L Graham, average o'3 ; most runs iv an innings (Mr Stiles' bat), J Blincoe, 47 runs. Junior cloven : Batting (Mr JJ Andrews' bat), D Barnett, average 12-1 ; bowling (Mr Chisholm's bat), G Page, average 4 0; highest aggregate score in the ' B team (Mr Finney's hat), It Smith, GO runs.

" The Committee regret that only about one-third of the players turn out in proper ericketiug costume, and the Club's team suffered in comparison with the other clubs in consequence. It is hoped this very serious neglect may bo remedied during the present season.

" The Committee expressed its satisfaction of the management of the Club's affairs by the Secretary, Mr George Dee, " The batting last season was tbe Club's weakest point, and ft want of consistency was too apparent. There was almost an entire lack of steady play, although perhaps L. Graham and J. Ulincoe wero exceptions. Want of systematic practice was mainly responsible for this great falling oft, and tbe absence of confidence in matches.

" The thanks of the Club are due to Messrs Chisholm (President), and Finney and Andrews (Vice Presidents), and Robert Stiles for trophies given by them." The report, with a balance sheet showing the Club to be free from debt and having a substantial credit balance, was adopted. The following was the result of the election of ollicers ;— Patron, John Graham, M.H X. ; President, Mr W W Chisholm ; Vice-Presidents, Messrs E. Finney, D Andrews, W Lock, E Atmore (re-elected), and Mr C Bird. Captain, Mr It Stiles ; hon Secre;ary and Treasurer, Mr G Die; Management Committee, Messrs Corder. J Bliacoe, D Graham, W A Dee, C Graham, and C Gibson ; Match Committee, Messrs R Stiles, C Graham, L Graham, C Gibson, J Lipscombe; Delegates to Cricket Association, Messrs R Stiles and J Corder.

It was unanimously resolved that the Club's delegates to the Association be asked to support any motion which might bring about an alteration in the present system of championship matches so a^ to avoid every holiday being taken up by cricket.

A number of new members were elected.

Mr C Graham was heartily thanked for presenting a roller to the Club. It was decided to open the season with a practice match next Saturday. The President then presented the trophies to the winners.

Six trophies were offered for competition during the coming season, and having passed a vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting terminated.